After intense Kidō combat practice with Aizen and days of developing his Spiritual Body, Akira had completely mastered Byakurai's properties. He could now enchant basic attacks — sword strikes and martial arts — with its power.
In simple terms, his attacks now carried Lightning effects.
When he deployed Sekienton, it was no longer just a Bakudō — it possessed extremely powerful destructive force.
The combination of dust and electric arcs produced devastating results. Its power far exceeded a Hadō of the same level, rivaling even a full-power Shakkahō. The red smoke's extensive coverage area could amplify its effectiveness up to 120% in certain locations.
Now, an explosive rain of fire radiated scorching heat through the mountain, reaching into its deepest darkness. Crimson light burst from the cave entrance, brilliantly incinerating the nearby forest.
Soon, howls of intense pain echoed from within the mountain.
Two massive beings, several meters tall and wrapped in fierce flames, rushed out from the firelight, their high temperature igniting the surrounding forest.
Akira watched excitedly as the giant Hollows tried to extinguish the flames on their bodies by rolling around.
Their structure resembled spiders, but with centipede-like limbs along their bodies — a perfect combination of the most horrifying aspects of both insects. The sight alone could trigger an instant breakdown in anyone with entomophobia.
"You take left, I take right?" He asked, glancing sideways.
To his surprise, Aizen shook his head, frowning.
"If you like, you can handle them all yourself. Just finish quickly, don't waste too much time."
Hearing this, Akira was slightly puzzled and about to ask.
But then Aizen explained, "If you miss dinner time, you'll have to raid the Academy cafeteria again tonight. With finals approaching, better avoid trouble."
Akira was deeply moved — truly worthy of being the kind Sōsuke, always thinking of his friend's wellbeing.
Meeting Aizen was definitely one of his best decisions ever.
"Since you put it that way." He rolled up his sleeves and drew his Asauchi from its sheath, its silver gleam flickering amidst the flames, "Then let's end this quickly!"
⤫ Raikō Shunpo ⥤ Lightning Flash Steps ⤬
Electric arcs exploded beneath his feet, leaving behind intense heat as Akira vanished.
Noticing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Aizen's eyes.
Had he mastered Byakurai's properties so quickly? As expected... Outside of theoretical courses, this youth's talent rivaled anyone's — including Aizen's own.
Looking at the lightning-wielding youth who materialized before it, the giant Hollow's fierce pupils filled with terror.
What manner of being was this?! Since when did Shinigami wield electricity?!
With no time to think further, a sharp pressure bore down. Reiatsu enveloped them, crushing in its oppression. Driven by instinct, the two spider Hollows ignored their burning flesh as their charred limbs struck forward in a killing motion!
The sound of tearing air approached.
Akira bent and stepped forward, his body coiled tight like a drawn bowstring. A powerful roar burst forth as his blade fell!
⤫ Tenrin Raikou ⥤ Celestial Lightning Arc! ⤬
Reiatsu cascaded upward in endless waves, the sword light brilliant as thunderclouds crashing down!
In an instant, the metallic limbs shattered, red viscous liquid spraying from the broken parts onto the scorched earth.
The limbs continued their relentless assault. For spider Hollows with hundreds of limbs, losing a few meant nothing — they needed only one strike to end this battle.
In their experience, while Shinigami were powerful, their defense was poor. Without sufficient Reiatsu support, even a lower-level Hollow like a Gillian could wound a Captain.
But after just a few exchanges, the two giant spider Hollows realized with shock that not only were their attacks ineffective, but each contact with the youth's Asauchi left their bodies increasingly numb and paralyzed.
"The effect is quite good." Akira mused, casually severing incoming limbs.
Byakurai's power had its limits — even against ordinary Hollows, paralyzing their bodies took time.
However, this was merely the beginning. He looked forward to discovering his true strength after inscribing those high-level Kidō.
Sōsuke, you must not disappoint my expectations! Our ascent to the pinnacle depends entirely on your efforts.
After testing Byakurai's properties, Akira prepared to end this one-sided battle.
⤫ Shunpo ⥤ Flash Steps ⤬
As countless limbs struck, he burst into Shunpo, weaving through the gaps to strike directly at the terrified head with its compound eyes.
⤫ Tenrin Sōga ⥤ Celestial Twin Fang Strike! ⤬
Splat—
Flesh tore as Akira landed atop the Hollow's white shell, his Asauchi plunging deep into its skull. The explosion of Reiatsu pulverized everything within.
Light faded from the spider Hollow's compound eyes as its massive body crumpled.
Seeing its companion fall, the other Hollow panicked. Despite its paralyzed and burning body, it desperately tried to flee, its remaining limbs thrashing wildly.
"Hmph, trying to escape?"
Akira sprang upward, electric arcs crackling around him as he charged forward with his sword raised, his fierce visage illuminated by the lightning!
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
After watching his friend effortlessly dominate the two giant Hollows, Aizen turned his attention elsewhere.
With Akira's current strength, he could easily handle Hollows of this level — perhaps only struggling against those approaching Gillian class.
Aizen opened his Reikaku (Reiatsu sensing), searching for the source of his growing unease.
Beyond his Reikaku's range, beneath the massive tree branches, a misty Kidō light enveloped several black-clothed figures.
"According to intelligence from Shin'ō Academy, Akira is the strongest of those brats. Our war failed because of his protective talismans. This time, our objective is clear — kill him by any means necessary, even if it costs us the entire team!"
⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬⤫⤬
⤫ Tenrin Senpuu ⥤ Celestial Whirlwind Cut! ⤬
Akira split open the spider Hollow's skull with a single strike, sending red and white matter splattering across the ground — a nauseating sight.
As he gathered the compound eyes to turn in, an uneasy premonition seized him, his Danger Instinct screaming in warning!
From his blind spot, several black-clothed figures burst forth, launching a direct attack on the youth who stood atop the corpse!
⤫⤬⤫
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